Georgetown, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Health officials in Georgetown, Texas, have issued a warning after a dead bat tested positive for rabies. Discovered in the 200 block of Lazy Creek Drive, this incident marks the latest in a series of rabies cases in the area, which includes five confirmed instances in nearby Cedar Park. Residents are advised to remain vigilant about wildlife interactions and report any concerns. The CDC emphasizes the danger of rabies transmission from bats and the importance of vaccinations for pets.
Georgetown
A dead bat in Georgetown, Texas, has tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to issue a warning to local residents. The bat was discovered on September 26, 2023, at approximately 11:26 a.m. in the 200 block of Lazy Creek Drive, as reported by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
This incident marks the latest case in a series of rabid bats found in the area this year. There have been five positive rabies cases in nearby Cedar Park, with the most recent rabid bat in Georgetown discovered just last week on September 19, 2023. The Department of State Health Services conducted testing on the rabid bat which confirmed the presence of the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that bats are the most commonly reported animals to transmit rabies in the U.S. Most rabies-related deaths in the country are attributed to exposure from bats. Behavioral changes in rabid bats can include flying during the day, increased aggression, disorientation, and difficulty in flight.
Symptoms and Precautions
In mammals, such as dogs, symptoms of rabies may present as excessive drooling, unusual aggression, and difficulty swallowing. For humans, early signs of rabies may resemble flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and anxiety, and can progress to severe symptoms like partial paralysis.
Officials urge anyone who believes they may have come into contact with a rabid bat to reach out to Williamson County Animal Control at 512-864-8282. Residents are strongly advised against handling bats and should report any concerns to animal control or health professionals immediately.
Cedar Park Rabies Cases
In Cedar Park, officials have reported two additional rabid bats recently discovered—one located at a Motel 6 and the other at The View at Cedar Park. Cedar Park police stress the importance of reporting any contact with infected bats and ensuring that pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Statewide Rabies Statistics
This year, Texas has documented 94 rabies cases in bats, with occurrences primarily concentrated in urban areas such as Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Rabies transmission typically occurs through saliva due to bites, scratches, or contact with an open wound.
Should exposure to rabies occur, treatment consists of a series of five shots in the arm which must be administered promptly to prevent the onset of the disease.
Conclusion
The discovery of rabid bats in Georgetown and surrounding areas emphasizes the importance of community awareness regarding wildlife and rabies prevention. Residents should remain vigilant and informed about the symptoms and dangers associated with rabies to protect themselves and their pets.
FAQs
What was discovered in Georgetown?
A dead bat in Georgetown tested positive for rabies.
When was the bat found?
The bat was discovered on September 26, 2023.
Where was the bat found?
The bat was found in the 200 block of Lazy Creek Drive.
What are the symptoms of rabies in bats?
Behavioral changes in rabid bats include daytime flying, increased aggression, disorientation, and difficulty flying.
What should I do if I believe I’ve come into contact with a rabid bat?
People who believe they may have come into contact with a rabid bat are urged to contact Williamson County Animal Control at 512-864-8282.
How many rabies cases in bats has Texas documented this year?
Texas has documented 94 rabies cases in bats this year.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Date of Discovery | September 26, 2023 |
| Confirmed Cases in Texas | 94 rabies cases in bats this year |
| Previous Cases in Georgetown | Last rabid bat found on September 19, 2023 |
| Nearby Findings | Five positive cases in Cedar Park |
| Contact for Concerns | Williamson County Animal Control at 512-864-8282 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rabies Alert Issued in Georgetown After Dead Bat Found
Rabies-Positive Bat Found in Georgetown Sparks Health Alert
Rabies Threat Grows in Cedar Park as Second Bat Found
Second Rabid Bat Confirmed in Cedar Park
Health Warning Issued After Rabid Bat Found in Cedar Park
Cedar Park Police Warn of Rabies-positive Bat Encounter
Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- KVUE
- Google Search: Rabies Bats Texas
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Rabies Bats Texas
- Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- CBS Austin Newsletter
- Google News: Rabies Bats Texas
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
